orphea: a playable 13-key electronic piano that fits into your pocket

Pianni’s playable pocket-sized electronic instrument

Orphea is a compact 13-key electronic piano developed by Pianni to examine how far a conventional keyboard can be reduced while retaining its physical and musical functions. Measuring only slightly larger than a modern smartphone, the instrument combines a standard chromatic black-and-white key layout with physical pressable keys, polyphonic playing, octave controls, built-in speakers, headphone output, MIDI connectivity, and USB-C charging.

The current prototype spans one chromatic octave, from C to C, across 13 physical keys. Dedicated octave controls extend the playable pitch range without increasing the instrument’s footprint. This configuration allows the keyboard to retain the arrangement and tactile interaction of a conventional piano within a significantly reduced format.

all images ©Pianni

A conventional keyboard layout in a compact format

Orphea addresses limitations found in many ultra-portable keyboards, which often reduce their dimensions by removing black keys, replacing physical keys with touch surfaces, limiting polyphony, or depending on an external device for sound. Pianni retains the chromatic black-and-white layout and physical key mechanism while integrating the electronic components required for independent operation.

Built-in speakers allow the instrument to produce sound without additional equipment, while a headphone output supports quiet practice. MIDI connectivity allows Orphea to function as a compact controller for external software and hardware, extending its use beyond the integrated sounds.

The instrument has gone through multiple prototype and engineering iterations focused on key feel and mechanical behaviour, enclosure geometry, internal electronics, speaker placement, and portability. Its enclosure uses a compact molded plastic body intended to balance low weight and durability with the physical interface of a conventional piano.

Orphea is a compact 13-key electronic piano by Pianni

Orphea mini piano acts as a portable musical sketchbook

Orphea is designed as a portable musical sketchbook rather than a replacement for a full-sized piano. Its reduced dimensions allow it to be carried in a small bag and used in situations where a traditional keyboard would be impractical, including while travelling, outdoors, at a desk, or during quiet practice.

The reduced keyboard has also been tested against different levels of musical complexity. Pianni founder and pianist Jordan Daniels has used the prototype to play simple melodies as well as more complex repertoire, including a three-voice Bach fugue, testing the extent to which the compact format can support polyphonic playing. The project is currently being refined towards production and is preparing for launch through Kickstarter.

the pocket-sized instrument measures only slightly larger than a smartphone

Orphea retains a conventional black-and-white keyboard layout

thirteen physical keys form Orphea’s compact keyboard

USB-C charging is integrated into the portable piano

dedicated octave controls extend the instrument’s playable pitch range

physical pressable keys preserve the tactile interaction of a piano

prototype development focused on key feel and mechanical behaviour

project info:

name: Orphea
designer: Jordan Daniels – Pianni

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edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom

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